Congressman Bart Gordon applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs’ plan to expand the list of conditions that qualify for health care and disability pay related to exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange, which was widely used during the Vietnam War. The new rule will make it easier for Vietnam Veterans, including those who may have been denied disability benefits in the past, to receive the care and benefits they deserve. The rule expands the list of health problems the VA will presume to be related to Agent Orange. Veterans suffering from Parkinson’s disease, ischemic heart disease, and all chronic B cell leukemias will now be eligible to apply for associated benefits. The policy change takes effect October 30.
“For too long, Vietnam War Veterans have been turned away from urgent care and resources due to strict eligibility regulations,” said Gordon. “It is now clear from scientific research that Agent Orange has much wider health effects than previously thought, and veterans will now receive VA health care and disability compensation they deserve.”
Previously, veterans had to undergo lengthy investigations to apply for disability benefits and health care for conditions caused by Agent Orange exposure. The new reforms will simplify the process by not requiring Vietnam Veterans to provide hard evidence of an association between their medical problems and their military service. Instead, veterans with certain health conditions who served in Vietnam anytime between January 1962 and May 1975 could be eligible for benefits without having to find specific documentation of possible exposure to Agent Orange.
The VA is expecting more than 150,000 Agent Orange claims in the next 12 months, with many eligible for retroactive payments. Approximately 90,000 previously denied claims by Vietnam Veterans for services associated with these illnesses will also be reviewed by the VA.
“Our veterans sacrifice a tremendous amount for our country, and we have a responsibility to do all we can to support them and their families,” said Gordon.
Gordon has been a strong advocate for veterans’ care in Middle Tennessee. He successfully fought to preserve medical services in Murfreesboro’s York VA Medical Center and continues to help local veterans cut through red tape to access needed care.
Veterans and family members who need assistance obtaining benefits are encouraged to contact Gordon’s office in Murfreesboro at (615) 896-1986.
